Former cricketers and brothers Chris and David Adams will today finish the Big Cricket Ride - a punishing cricket-themed cycling challenge to raise money for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research.

Over the past 15 days the brothers have cycled to all 18 county cricket grounds in England & Wales to support the charity’s life-saving research into lymphoma and all other blood cancers.

Chris and David set out on the gruelling 868-mile tour at Durham CCC’s ground The Riverside on Friday 7 October and finish at the Kia Oval today, Friday 21 October.

A host of other cricketing stars - including Ashley Giles, Darren Maddy, Paul Nixon, Darren Stevens and Philip Mustard saddled up for individual legs of the ride - inspired by Chris and David’s father John Adams and his battle with lymphoma.

John, 71, was diagnosed with Peripheral T-cell lymphoma in June 2010 after undergoing an operation for a ruptured bowel. During surgery doctors discovered a mass on his liver, which tests revealed to be cancerous. Thankfully, following chemotherapy at Southend Cancer Hospital, John is recovering well and was able to join his sons during their journey in support vehicles generously provided by ride sponsor Kia.

David Adams, who played for Derbyshire, Gloucestershire and Norfolk, said: “Treatment has taken a lot out of him but his positive mental attitude has been amazing. It will be a little heart-in-mouth for the next six months, but so far so good. We’re dealing with the emotional side as a team and focussing on keeping his spirits up.

“Hearing someone you care about has cancer hits you like a sledge hammer. I was actually out on my bike at the time in the middle of the Peak District – that’s why I wanted to make cycling part of our fundraising.”

The brothers aim to raise as much money as possible for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, which is dedicated to finding better treatments and cures for all blood cancers, including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma. The charity has £1 million invested in groundbreaking research into developing more effective treatments for Peripheral T-cell lymphoma. Every penny raised from the Big Cricket Ride will support research into this specific disease.

Surrey CCC Cricket Manager and former England batsman, Chris Adams, said: “Since the end of my career I’ve wanted to do something major for a good cause and Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research became very pertinent after my Dad fell ill with lymphoma. We were after a challenge and we got it!.”

Kate White, Director of Fundraising at Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Chris & David for taking on the Big Cricket Ride. It’s was a difficult challenge for them both but every penny raised will make a real difference to the lives of patients with blood cancer.”